2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 had a distinctive design that set it apart from its siblings in the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's signature quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, along with a prominent shield-shaped grille. The GV70's sloping roofline gave it a fastback appearance, blending SUV bulk with sleek, athletic elements. The Sport Prestige model added unique styling touches, including a model-specific front fascia with large vents, 21-inch wheels with a web pattern, and dark chrome trim. Inside, the GV70's interior was inspired by an airplane wing's cross-section, with an elliptical theme and minimalistic design. The cabin offered a variety of color options and luxurious materials, such as Nappa leather upholstery with suede inserts in the Sport Prestige model.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, on the other hand, resembled a smaller version of the Chevrolet Blazer, exuding SUV toughness without exaggeration. It featured intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim, giving it an upscale appearance. The Activ and RS models had distinct styling elements, with the Activ model sporting a rugged look with a faux skid plate and roof rails, while the RS model had a sportier appearance with blacked-out trim and dual exhaust outlets. The Trailblazer offered contrasting roof colors, adding a distinctive and retro touch. Inside, the Activ model had a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, and a mix of copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim, giving the cabin a unique personality.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The GV70 also featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. The Sport+ drive mode enhanced throttle response and transmission behavior for spirited driving. However, the GV70's chassis felt heavy, lacking the sharpness of some competitors. The ride was firm, even in Comfort mode, and the steering lacked precision for spirited driving.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX. It came with a standard 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while an optional 1.3-liter turbo-three increased output to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.2-liter engine was available only with front-wheel drive (FWD), while the 1.3-liter engine could be paired with either FWD or AWD. FWD models had a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer Activ model had AWD and the 1.3-liter engine, providing a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. The Trailblazer exhibited body roll typical of high-riding vehicles but felt composed and nimble. The ride quality was generally good, although some bouncing was noticed over road imperfections.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. It provided the same front-seat headroom as a Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the same back-seat headroom as a BMW X3. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. However, it included a covered storage cubby with USB ports. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility. It matched the Kia Seltos on front and rear headroom and provided more rear legroom than its Buick Encore GX sibling. The Trailblazer's cargo space measured 25.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats in place and 54.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. While respectable, it was slightly behind the Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer's interior included a covered storage bin, a deep tray, cupholders, and a phone storage tray. However, the relatively flat rear seat cushions made long road trips less comfortable.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system's tile-based layout and crisp graphics were user-friendly. Higher trim levels offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 also featured a digital-key function, allowing drivers to use a smartphone instead of a key fob, and a fingerprint scanner for starting the car. Genesis Connected Services included features like remote camera activation and a radar-based rear-seat monitor.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer's standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Bose audio system, and wireless phone charging were optional. While the optional touchscreen was smaller than some competitors, it was well-suited to the Trailblazer's dashboard. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges provided clear information. The Trailblazer also included smart touches like a person-shaped icon for pedestrian detection.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, being a new model, did not have crash-test ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA. However, it came standard with numerous safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-attention monitor. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer was named a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, receiving top scores in all crash tests and high marks for front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.